What is Diprobase cream used for?

Moisturisers are helpful for all dry skin conditions, particularly eczema and dermatitis, which get worse when the skin is allowed to dry out. Used regularly they help restore the skin's smoothness, softness and flexibility by helping the skin retain moisture. This reduces redness, scaling and itching. They should be applied frequently, particularly before or after washing, to prevent the skin drying out.

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In conditions such as eczema, using a moisturiser regularly, even once the skin has improved, can help prevent flare-ups of this condition and can reduce the need for topical corticosteroids.

How does Diprobase cream work?

Dry skin results from lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells known as the stratum corneum. When this layer becomes dehydrated it loses its flexibility and becomes cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water-holding substances that retain water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin. Water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of natural oil (sebum) and broken-down skin cells, which slow down evaporation of water from the skin surface.

The skin dries out when too much water evaporates from its surface. This increases as we get older and is made worse by washing, because hot water and soap remove the layer of natural oil on the skin surface.

Diprobase cream doesn't contain any active ingredients as such. It is made from a mixture of liquid and white soft paraffins and water, to produce a moisturiser that is lighter and less greasy than Diprobase ointment. It also contains cetomacrogol and cetostearyl alcohol as emulsifying agents, chlorocresol as an antimicrobial preservative, phosphoric acid, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate. It works by providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface.

How do I use Diprobase cream?

You can apply Diprobase cream as often as needed to relieve dry skin. It can be applied to any part of the body but avoid getting it in your eyes. Smooth the cream into the skin in the direction of the hair growth.

What should I know about using Diprobase cream?

Diprobase cream contains paraffin oils which are flammable. If the cream comes into contact with dressings, bandages, clothing, bed linen, towels or other fabrics these can be easily ignited by a naked flame or cigarette, particularly if large amounts of the cream have been used, or the fabric or dressing have become soaked with the moisturiser. Keep away from fire, flames and lit cigarettes. If you're using a lot of Diprobase cream as a moisturiser your clothing and bedding should be changed regularly, preferably daily, because the cream can soak into fabric and can become a fire hazard.

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Who shouldn't use Diprobase cream?

People who are allergic to any ingredients of the cream. These will be listed on the packet. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using Diprobase and inform your doctor or pharmacist .

Can I use Diprobase cream while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes - Diprobase cream is not absorbed through the skin and is not known to be harmful if used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What are the possible side effects of Diprobase cream?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects known to be associated with Diprobase cream. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using this cream will experience that or any side effect.

Skin reactions, such as burning, stinging, itching, rash, peeling or redness of the skin, in people hypersensitive to any of the ingredients. Stop using Diprobase and see your doctor if your skin gets irritated after using it.

Can I use Diprobase cream with other medicines?

By smoothing and softening the skin moisturisers can increase the absorption of other medicines that are applied to the skin. This is useful in conditions such as eczema because it improves the ability of other medicines, such as corticosteroid creams, to penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation.

However, if the moisturiser is applied just before or after applying other medicated creams, ointments or lotions, the moisturiser could dilute the other medicated product. For this reason you should try to leave about 30 minutes between applying moisturisers and medicated skin products, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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